Pignone's tribute to Yvonne Opfell

This was a tribute that Fran wrote when Yvonne stepped down last September.

By Fran Pignone,
Former Orange County Commissioner
   Many who may know Yvonne Opfell as our faithful and resolute timekeeper at so many forums may be interested to know what a valuable role she played in "saving" the UCF Research Park  in the early 1990's.
    Without delving into the convoluted history of the park, the project was facing possible default on the bonds used to purchase the land on which it was built. This was of great concern to county government since a default might negatively affect its credit rating.
     While this information was not known to the general public, as the commissioner for District 4  where the center is located it became important to replace some members of the center board with new leadership. Additionally, it was imperative that these individuals have a reputation for intelligence in order to understand the complicated financial situation, a forthright manner in questioning the status quo  and the ability to help restore the creditability and stability of the center.
    Yvonne was able to do just that thereby insuring that the center would continue to be an important institution in our area. Her willingness to serve in this very sensitive position was yet another example of her decades of service to the community